Method and apparatus for the storage, refrigeration, and transportation of volatile liquids and other fluids



Sept. 21, 1954 c. w. BRANDON 2,689,461

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE, REFRIGERATION, AND TRANSPORTATION OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Filed July 16, 1948 10 Sheets-Sheet l Clarence W. Brandon INVENTOR.

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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE, REFRIGERATION. AND TRANSPORTATION 0F VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Filed July 16, 1948 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 Clarence W. Brandon- INVENTOR.

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TRANSPORTATION OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Filed July 16, 1948 lo ShGGtS-ShBGt 3 Fig.4.

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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE, REFRIGERATION, AND TRANSPQRTATION 0F VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Filed July 16 1948 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 LIT Q\ \NQ\\ N \N\ NN\\ -\\1 M n W R I m m M 0% QQ m m Q3 9: B W E WV m h w 1 mm vn Q P3 RV m g N g 1.. m mm ll m\\ m Q 1.! mm 0 Y liiliiiilki B A. Q 9 N 5x wn vm l In i; T fi h 8 I .l N T mm mm 7 wn Wm w 3 r W mm .2 mm mm mm vm Sept. 21, 1954 c, w BRANDON 2,689,461

- METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE, REFRIGERATION. AND

TRANSPORTATION OF VOLATILE- LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Filed July 16, 1948 10 Sheefis-Sheet 5 /6/ Clarence W. Brandon IN V EN TOR.

Sept. 21, 1954 C. W. BRANDON METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE, REFRIGERATION TRANSPORTATION OF VOLATI Filed July 16, 1.948

2,689,461 AND LE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 Fig l0 34 7 l /0 i 1 I8 I I 58 l Clarence W. Brandon INVEN TOR.

Wm WWW Us 2,689,461 AND DS p 1954 c. w. BRANDON A METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE. REFRIGERATION TRANSPORTATION OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUI Filed July 16, 1948 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 MR m m. M am, rV 5W. W m m w r m Y C B 8 0 MM w m a P 21, 1954 c; w. BRANDON 2,689,461

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE, REFRIGERATION. AND TRANSPORTATION OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Clarence W. Brandon INVENTOR.

Sept. 21, 1954 c, w BRANDON 2,689,461

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STORAGE, REFRIGERATION. AND

TRANSPORTATION OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Filed July 16, 1948 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 "I Fig. /8.

Clarence W. Brando INVENTOR.

BY MM FM:

Sept. 21, 1954 c, w BRANDON 2,689,461

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STQRAGE, REFRIGERATION. AND TRANSPORTATION OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Filed July 16, 1948 lo Sheets-Sheet 10 Clarence W. Branden INVENTOR.

BY 2mm Patented Sept. 21, 1954 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STOR- AGE, REFRIGERATION, AND TRANSPOR- TATION OF VOLATILE LIQUIDS AND OTHER FLUIDS Application July 16, 1948. Serial No. 39,154

39 Claims. 7 1

This invention relates to novel and useful improvements in a method and apparatus for the storage, refrigeration and transportation of volatile liquids and other fluids, and more particularly has reference to a method and apparatus for improving the transportation and stor age of such fluids with particular attention to reducing excessive pressures and temperatures generated in fluids which are confined in containers and are exposed to external sources of heat. Although not limited to this field, my invention finds a special utility in its application to a method and apparatus for eflicaciously confining highly volatile liquids such as liquefied petroleum gases, ammonia or the like in tanks such as barges or land vehicles for transporting such liquids.

In its simpler aspects and broadest principles, the present invention represents an improvement upon and relates to somewhat similar subject matter to that disclosed in the prior patent of Clarence W. Brandon and George M. Brandon, Patent No. 2,408,505, patented October 1, 1946.

In the field of transportation and storage of volatile liquids, and especially in the use of tanks or barges which are designed to transport liquid upon Water ways, it has been heretofore recognized as essential that the compartment receiving the volatile liquid shall be completely filled in order to avoid the detrimental effects of splashing or shifting centers of gravity of a container which is partially filled and subjected' to a rolling or tossing action during transit. Industry has long known that when such tanks are employed as barges or other portable containers and are completely filled with highly volatile or other liquids, and subjected to external sources of heat, such asto the variable temperatures produced by the rays and heat of the sun or the like, the increase in temperature of the liquids which completely fill and are confined in a storage compartment, produce very great increases in the pressures towhich such liquids are subjected.

By way of illustration, it may be noted that in one type of barge ortank, which is approximately 90 feet in length and of about 9 feet in diameter, the pressures of the contained liquid where no vapor space is provided, and conse-- quently to-which the wallsof the container areexposed, may rise from slightly above atmospheric pressure to values of about 450 pounds per square inch, at which pressures rupture of the container is threatened unless pressure relief is provided, these pressures arising directly and solely from the thermo-dynamic expansive forces created in the liquid contents of the tanks by the heat of the suns rays or the like. Ohviously, it has been necessary therefore to employ tanks of very thick metallic plate construction, the example above mentioned usually requiring metal plates of 1 A; inch in thickness.

It will be apparent that if some means were provided for reducing the pressures generated by the expansion of the liquid contents occasioned by the above-mentioned source, and maintaining the maximum pressures thus generated to predetermined lower and safer limits than would normally occur with no provision for the relief of pressure, the tanks could be of much lighter material with a resultant appreciable economy in the constructing, handling and transporting of the same.

As a primary purpose, the invention aims to provide a tank for receiving volatile liquids which may be of appreciably lighter and more economical construction, yet will be more serviceable in use than conventional containers heretofore used.

Accordingly, it is a fundamental intention of this invention to provide a process and a means for reducing the pressures to which the confined liquids in such tanks are subjected; to utilize the thermo-dynamic forces developed Within the body of liquids in such tanks for carrying out the method and actuating the apparatus designed to alleviate the above-mentioned detrimental conditions; and in particular to provide a refrigerating system in which the liquid itself constitutes the refrigerant, whereby the thermo-dynamic forces developed within the confined liquid will cause a circulation of the refrigerated portions of the liquid to thereby lower the temperatures existing in the liquid and hence reduce the thermo-dynamic pressures developed therein; and by further providing an extremely sensitive auxiliary refrigerating system incorporated in the above elements and which shall be periodically and intermittently operated by the thermo-dynamic forces in confined bodies of liquids to eifect the above-mentioned functions and purposes.

This invention therefore has for its primary objects the development of improved methods and apparatus for reducing the peak or maximum pressures which are thermo-dynamically generated within confined bodies of volatile liquids.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus wherein a portion of the volatile liquid is utilized to produce a refrigerating effect upon the main body of the liquid to thereby lessen the pressures to which the confined body of liquid is subjected.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus wherein the thermo-dynamic pressures generated within a con fined body of liquid are utilized to temporarily discharge a portion of that liquid for reducing and apparatus as set forth in the preceding objects wherein the variations in pressure produced in a confined body of volatile liquid by the influence of Varying temperatures thereon, are utilized to effect a cyclic flow of a portion of the liquid out of and back into the confined body of liquid to thus reduce the extremes of pressure to which the confined liquid is subjected.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and method in accordance with the preceding object wherein the cyclic circulation of liquid from the confined body is caused to suffer an expansion or drop in pressure during the course of its flow from and back into the confined body, which expansion is utilized to effect a refrigerating action upon the balance of the confined body of liquid.

Another very important object is to provide a very compact, eflicient and improved conduit system for circulating a portion of the stored liquid for an efiicient refrigerating action upon predetermined areas of the surface of the container, in heat exchange relation with and for cooling predetermined portions of the contents of the tank.

Still another important object of the invention resides in the provision of an apparatus and method as set forth in the foregoing objects wherein the liquid withdrawn from the storage compartment of the tank is removed from the cooler portions thereof, and wherein the circulating refrigerated portions of the liquid are returned to the upper or warmer portions of the storage tank.

A still further intention of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for effecting a circulation of a portion of the contents of a confined body of volatile liquid from that body of liquid, through a pressure reducing zone and finally discharging that portion of the liquid by means of a spray into an area of low pressure for effecting a cooling effect upon predetermined portions of the confined body of liquid, then collecting the condensate from the pressure expanded portion and subsequently returning the condensate to the confined body of liquid during the next period of relatively reduced pres sure therein.

A further and very important object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus 4 for refrigerating confined bodies of liquids subjected to varying thermo-dynarnic pressures therein by withdrawing, circulating and returning a portion of the confined liquids by means of the thermo-dynamic pressures to which they are subjected in the confined body, and by so arranging the course of travel of the withdrawn portion as tosubject that portion to the immediate influence of the external source of heat to l which the confined body of liquid is subjected in order to thereby obtain a more rapid and hence more sensitive fluctuation of pressure in the withdrawn portion of the liquid and in the confined body with a View to causing a more rapid series of intermittent refrigerating operations upon the confined body of liquid.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus as set forth in the foregoing objects wherein provision is made for releasing the pressure upon the confined body of liquid and for venting the same, without loss of liquid or its vapor, to facilitate the loading or unloading of the tank. I

A still further object of the invention is to improve the construction of tanks for the storage of volatile liquids for utilization in the foregoing process and apparatus, to augment the safety thereof against damage by fires in the event of collisions or the like.

An important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a storage tank or container which is divided by a partition into a storage compartment for confining bodies of volatile liquids and a vapor compartment, each of these compartments being sealed from the atmosphere, together with conduit means connecting these compartments for selectively effecting a flow of liquid from the liquid compartment to the vapor compartment and for effecting a return of liquid condensate from the vapor oompartment into the confined liquid storage oompartment.

A further feature of the invention resides in the provision of an apparatus as forth in the preceding paragraph wherein pressure relief valve means are provided for controlling the flow of liquid through the conduit means from the storage compartment to the vapor compart ment, for thereby effecting a reduction of pressure upon the withdrawn liquid for producing a vaporizing and refrigerating effect thereon.

An additional feature of the invention resides in the provision of a tank which is ideally adapted for use as a barge and wherein there are provided blisters upon the sides of the same for improving the stability of the barge, for increasing the constructional strength of the tank, and for assisting in cooling the contents of the same.

Yet another feature of the invention contemplates the construction of a plurality of barges whereby the same may be readily assembled into rafts for more convenient or economical handling, and yet wherein the improved operation and advantages of the blister construction above mentioned may be fully enjoyed and utilized.

Yet another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a barge for the transportation of volatile liquids upon water ways, w,. .in tho blister construction is arranged to overlie a portion of the vapor compartment formed within the barge to effect a greater cooling effect thereon and to thereby improve the refrigeratin of the contents of the barge.

Another important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a barge having a lower set confined liquid storage compartment and an upper confined vapor compartment, together with conduit means and mechanism for effecting eriodic, cyclic circulations of liquid from the cooler portion of the confined body of liquid into the vapor chamber, reducing the pressure upon the liquid so inducted into the vapor chamber to produce a refrigerating effect therein, collecting the condensate of the liquidinducted into the vapor chamber in cooler portions thereof, and subsequently returning the collected condensate into the confined chamber at the hotter portions thereof.

Still another important feature of the invention resides in the provision of a container for volatile liquids having separated liquid storage and vapor compartments, and wherein the vapor compartment is provided with sloping channels or gutters for collecting the liquid condensate therein into a sump together-with conduit means for automatically and periodically withdrawing the condensate from the sump in response to pressure variations effected by the thermodynamic action of external sources of heat upon confined portions of thevolatile liquid.

A still further feature of the invention resides in the provision of a volatile liquid storage tank wherein the principles of refrigerating and lowering the pressure of confined bodies of liquid as set forth in the preceding objects and features are incorporated, which tank is modified for use as a land transport for volatile liquids.

These, together with various ancillary objects and features of the invention, which will later become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this invention, preferred embodiments of the methods and apparatuses of which have been illustrated, by way of example only of the principles thereof, in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure l is a substantially horizontal sectional view taken substantially upon the plane of the broken section line l-l of Figure 4, through one embodiment of the invention and illustrates in plan form, a suitable conduit arrangement for effecting the basic purposes of the invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view, parts being broken away, of the embodiment of Figure 1, and is taken substantially upon the vertical longitudinal plane of the section line 2--2 of Figure 5;

Figure 3 is an end elevational view of a modification of the principles of the invention illustrating the manner in which a plurality of tanks may be rigidly connected to form a raft, and

showing a modified blister construction of the tank units which is particularly adapted for use in the raft arrangement, together with cross and catwalk connections therebetween;

Figure 4 is a vertical transverse sectional detail view taken substantially upon the plane of the section line 4-4 of Figure 1 and shows the interior construction and arrangement of the components of the tank illustrated in Figure l, and in particular shows the blister, rub rails, spray sumps and'some of the refrigerating conduit system of the invention; 1

Figure 5 is an end view of a modified arrangement of the tanks to form a raft, disclosing an alternative manner of coupling or fastening a pair of tanks together for operation as a unit in the form of a raft or barge; 1

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal sectional detail view, parts being broken away and taken substantially upon the plane of the section line 66 of Figure 1, and illustrates further interior details of construction and arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view, similar to Figure 6, but showing a further modified construction of tank in accordance with the principles of the invention, this arrangement disclosing the location of the condensate sump at the coolest portion of the storage compartment for realizing the maximum cooling effect upon the collected condensate prior to its return to the confined storage compartment;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view taken in transverse vertical section substantially upon the plane of the section line 88 of Figure 2 but showing a further modified construction of the circulating, refrigerating conduit system in accordance with the principles of the invention;

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail view taken in vertical section and showing certain structural details of the construction and arrangement of the refrigerating conduit system of Figure 13 and particularly illustrating a combined condensate return valve and pressure release valve employed with the invention;

Figure 10 is a vertical transverse sectional detail view, parts being broken away and showing the interior construction and arrangement of a further modification of the tank in accordance with the invention, this view being taken sub stantially upon the plane of the section line Ill-l0 of Figure '7;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view, similar to Figure 10 but showing still further modifications of the cooling means, and auxiliary cooling means housed in the blister construction and is taken substantially upon the plane of the section line Il-Il of Figure 2;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view showing a satisfactory arrangement of the spray nozzles in the vapor compartment, taken substantially upon the plane of the section line |2-l2 of Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a vertical transverse sectional detail view of a further modified construction of the invention, and shows in particular a fire prevention safety system which may be incorporated in the blister construction of the device together with a modified form of the cooling conduit system;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially upon the plane of the section line HL-M of Figure 8 and illustrating the construction of a strainer and inlet valve forming a part of the return system "of the invention;

Figure 15 is a substantially horizontal sectional view taken substantially upon the plane of the broken section line l5--l5 of Figure 13 and illustrating in plan the arrangement of the recirculating, refrigerating and return conduit system forming a part of the embodiment of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a detail View taken in a vertical longitudinal section substantially upon the plane of the section line Iii-15 of Figure 15 and illustrating the construction of the combined expansion and vent valve incorporated in the device;

Figure 1'7 is a sectional detail view taken substantially upon the plane of the section line Il-Il of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a rear elevational view of a further embodiment according to the principles of the invention and illustrates an arrangement for mounting the storage tank upon a portable support as a truck or the like;

Figure 19 is a side elevational view, parts being broken away to show the interior construction thereof, of the embodiment of Figure 18;

Figures 20-23 are diagrammatic views illustrating the method and steps of operation of the recirculating and refrigerating system forming a part of the invention; and

Figure 24 is a detail sectional view taken substantially upon the plane of the broken section line 24-44 of Figure 1 and illustrating a suitable construction of deflector or baffle forming a part of the refrigerating spray system of the invention.

Reference is now made more specifically to the accompanying drawings for an understanding of the principles of construction and features of operation of the various embodiments of the invention, like numerals indicating similar parts throughout the various views.

Frame construction of tank Attention is first directed to various suitable constructions of tanks in conformity with the principles of this invention together with the manners and arrangements for combining such tanks into rafts or units for more efficient or economical control of the same.

There is disclosed in Figures 1, 2, i and 5 a modified practical embodiment of tank, formed as a barge, in accordance with the basic concept of this invention. Although it is to be understood that the tank may be of various shapes and proportions, and is not to be limited to that illustrated, a satisfactory embodiment may consist of a cylindrical elongated casing or container l0 having spherically rounded end pertions l2, this tank being of metallic plate or the like, although any suitable material may be employed having the requisite strength. I

Within the tank ID, and preferably although not necessarily extending throughout the entire length thereof, is a partition [4 which divides the tank into a lower compartment 16 constituting a storage chamber for receiving and containing volatile liquids therein, and an upper compartment is comprising a vapor chamber. As will readily be understood, the chambers l6 and is are completely sealed from each other by means of the partition l4, and preferably comprise pressure-tight chambers.

In this embodiment of the invention, it will be seen that the partition I4 is shaped as an arcuate plate having its concave surface forming a part of the wall of the volatile liquid storage chamber 16, while its convex surface forms a part of the Wall of the vapor chamber l3.

er !8 is thus crescent shaped in vertical transverse cross section and ellipsoidally-shaped in horizontal cross-section.

It will thus be seen that the convex surface of the partition it constitutes the bottom Wall or fioor of the vapor chamber I8, and slopes from the center toward both sides thereof, and the junction of the partition [4 with the tank It] thus provides a continuous trough or channel, functioning as asump, about the marginal edge of the partition M.

In some instances, this trough or channel will be found sufiicient for the purposes desired; but it is preferred to accentuate such trough or channel by providing a depressed portion or portions 29 which constitute sumps for collecting and receiving vapor condensate therein as set forth hereinafter. If desired, these sumps 28 could extend around the entire periphery of the partition M, .or alternately could be provided at The vapor champredetermined spaced positions thereon. Moreover, the lower surfaces of those portions of the troughs or channels which define the sumps 20 will preferably slope upwardly from the sides of the sumps to the junction of the partition [4 with the tank Ill, whereby ready collection and drainage of any vapor condensate within the compartment l8 will be effected and such condensate will be conducted to the lowermost portions of the sumps 20.

A conduit system to be specifically set forth hereinafter is provided for establishing controlled communication between the storage chamber i6 and the vapor chamber It. It is contemplated that the storage chamber [6 shall be filled at all times with the volatile liquid to be transported, said body of liquid completely filling the chamber It and being confined therein. The curved walls of the chamber It thus are ideally adapted to offer the maximum strength for retaining the confined liquid and the pressures generated therein by the thermodynamic action upon the confined liquid of varying increases in temperature effected by the suns rays upon the tank or by other external sources of heat. It is intended that when the tank is constructed as a barge as illustrated in this embodiment of the invention, that the continuously completely filled storage compartment it and the vapor chamber l8 thereabove will be immersed into water to an extent indicated by the water line or level In order to promote the stability of the barge when the same is immersed in the water, a blister construction is secured thereto as by welding or in any other manner. This blister construction consists of an arcuately shaped casing 25 which is secured to the tank It as by welding 2i; or the like, and thus defines convex extensions protruding laterally from the walls of the tank I5).

I may prefer in some instances to extend this blister 24 as a continuous casing around the en- 'tire circumference of the tank It], as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, but in some instances 1 may prefer to provide the blister as a series of spaced casings on one or both sides of the tank it, at either or both ends thereof, in accordance with the dictates of the use which is contemplated.

It is contemplated that the blisters or sponsons 24 will provide greater buoyancy for the barge, will improve the stability of the same against rocking or rolling as in heavy seas, will reinforce and strengthen the side walls of the barge, and will serve other purposes as set forth hereinafter. The uppermost junction of the blister 2d with the wall ill will preferably be below the normal water line 22 of the loaded tank, but will overlie the line of junction of the partition I4 with the wall l0, whereby the top of the blister will constitute a shield or screen which will tend to shade the sumps 20, and the vapor condensate collection troughs or channels from the direct heating effect of the suns rays or the like, and will further insulate the storage compartment from the heat-- ing effects of the relatively warmer, upper layer of water in which the tank is immersed, to thus assist in producing a cooling effect upon these troughs, channels and the sumps 26. It should be here noted, and this principle is advantageously employed by this invention, that the temperature of open bodies of water even a slight distance below the surface remain at a relatively cooler and less rapidly variable temperature than the surface layer. Consequently, in a barge immersed therein, the lower portion of the barge and its contents will be substantially cooled relative to its upper portion.

Preferably secured as by welding or the like to the outer surfaces of the blisters 24, are rub rails 28 of any desired construction but preferably having vertical surfaces which act as buffers to shield and protect the blisters and hence the sides of the tank from damage as by collision or the like, and which further serve as abutment surfaces for securing a plurality of tanks together as set forth hereinafter, and for any other desired purpose. Secured to the blisters 24 at any desired locations thereon as by welding or the like, are cleats 30, see Figure 2, by means of which suitable cables may be attached to the barge for anchoring or moving the same. It should be here noted that the location of the cleats upon the blisters is a' desirable feature in that the strains transmitted to the tank l0 by the cleats are thus distributed by means of the blisters 24 over a wider surface of the tank whereby the tank may be of much lighter construction than if the cleats were directly attached thereo.

Surmounting the top surface of the tank I0 is a plurality of domes, any desired number being provided, two being indicated by the numerals 32 and 34, these domes conveniently but not necessarily consisting of tubular members secured to and passing through the upper surface of the tank l0 and extending thereabove to be provided with detachable closures or covers 36 of any desired construction. Preferably one of these domes, such as that indicated at 32 in Figure 6, provides a means for obtaining access to the vapor compartment I8, and to the mechanism housed therein; while another of the domes, such as that indi-- cated at 34, extends through the vapor compartment l8 and is attached to the partition I4 to provide a well or other chamber containing various control means for, the mechanism with which the barge is provided. I

It is, of course, to be understood that it is within the purview of this invention to contour the blisters at the front or rear of the barge tanks in any desired manner to facilitate and improve the operation of the tank as a barge, as by forming a prow, a stern, a rudder or the like thereon.

As shown by Figure 5, the construction hereinbefore described is ideally adapted for the temporary assemblage of a plurality of tanks to form a raft or the like by merely securing two tanks together with their rub rails 28 in juxtaposition or abutment, and by securing adjacent cleats 30 as by means of cables or other lashings or fasteners 40 whereby an assemblage of tanks may be maneuvered or operated as a unit.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 showing a modified construction which may be employed when it is desired to assemble three or more barges in rigid side by side relation to .form a unitary assembly. In this arrangement there are shown three tanks H] which may be of the construction set forth hereinbefore, except as to the blister arrangement thereon. Here, if desired, the innermost tank may have the side blisters omitted therefrom, while the two outer tanks have blisters omitted from their inner sides but have their outer sides provided with blisters 24 and rub rails 28 thereon, the stems of the barges being contoured as at 42 to provide tapering rudder-like constructions, it being understood that the forward ends of these tanks may be suitably contoured to provide prows orthelike.

The innermost barge or. tank I0 is provided upon both of its side surfaces, and the two outer tanks are provided upon their inner side surfaces with laterally extending aligned bosses or projections 44, which are rigidly connected together as by struts and cross braces 48 to rigidly secure the individual tanks together into a unitary assembly, and suitable catwalks or the like 50 may be provided upon the uppermost of the struts 46 whereby access may be obtained to the various tank units of the assembly.

Obviously, the teaching of Figure 3 for rigidly combining a plurality of tanks into an operative unit, includes the use of the two side tanks only in juxtaposition as well as the use of a plurality of intermediate tanks therebetween; and further envisions tanks in longitudinally aligned and abutted relation.

Attention is now again directed to Figure 6 wherein it will be seen that the partition I4 is provided with'suitable covers 52 which are hinged as at 54 for controlling manholes in the partition by means of which access may be obtained to the interior of the storage compartment I6, these hinged manhole covers being provided with locking means such as a locking wheel 56 of any known and suitable construction. Obviously, any desired number of these manhole covers may be provided throughout the length of the partition 14. It is to be understood that this construction may be employed in any of the various embodiments of the invention disclosed and set forth hereinafter, as desired.

Further, as shown in Figure 4 and more clearly in Figure 8, the sumps 20 may be provided with detachable covers or closure plates 58 likewise of any suitable design, by means of which access may be had to the sumps 28 for inspection or cleaning the same, from the interior of the compartment IS.

A pressure relief or safety device means is provided for preventing the attainment of a pressure in the vapor chamber 18 above a predetermined desired safe maximum pressure, and for this purpose, as shown in Figure 6, there is provided a conduit 59, extending through the tower 34 into the interior of the vapor compartment [8, which conduit has an outer end Gil extending through the upper wall of the tower 34 into free communication with the atmosphere, a suitable pressure relief valve 62 of any desired construction being included in the conduit and preferably positioned within the well defined by the tower 34 for easy access thereto for inspection, repairs or adjustment of the valve as desired. By this means, provision is made for preventing the pressure within the vapor chamber it from exceeding a predetermined value for which the valve 62 is set. Also indicated in the tower 34, is

As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the storage tank may be adapted for use as a land transportation vehicle by mounting the same upon a wheeled truck or chassis such as that indicated at 66, which chassis may constitute part of a trailer or a motor truck, may consist of a railway tank car or the like. When so used however, the tank [0 is mounted thereon in such position that the tank I8 is longitudinally inclined relative to the horizontal plane indicated by the reference line 68, so that the partition 14 of the tank will slope downwardly toward one end, which may be its rear end, toward the sump 20 thereof. In this arrangement, any condensate collecting upon the troughs or channels at the edges of the partition i l will thus drain toward the sump 29 at the lower end thereof. In this arrangement, the blister construction previously described and used with respect to the barge arrangement is impractical with respect to land vehicles, and the same may conveniently be replaced by the lateral fin arrangement indicated at it in Figures 18 and 19.

These, of course, may extend entirely around the sides of the tank, or may extend over only predetermined portions thereof as desired, and constitute a means for providing air cooling fins which may assist in providing a cooled zone in the tank and also provide a shielding means for sheltering a portion of the tank from the direct rays of the sun or the like. As in the other embodiments, this cooling zone preferably overlies the pockets or collection channels or troughs 2E1, to provide a decided cooling effect for this region. It is to be understood that the tank Id in the arrangement of Figures 18 and 19 may include any and all of the features previously described with respect to the construction of the storage tanks. Further, these tanks are to be understood as including the refrigerating means to be hereinafter described, if the same is desired.

It is to be understood that in the previously described embodiments of barges, that the blisters 2d are intended to be immersed below the water line when the barge is loaded, whereby the blister as well as the rest of the immersed walls of the tank will be water cooled, and this water cooling effect may be supplemented or if desired may in some instances be replaced by any other cooling means desired, such for example, as by a coolant circulating system indicated in Figure 11. In this arrangement, the blister 24 is provided with a plurality of lengths of pipes or coils 12, through which a coolant may be circulated by any desired means. It is to be understood that these cooling coils i2 may extend entirely about the tank It within the blisters 25, or if desired may extend throughout only predetermined portions of the blisters and upon predetermined areas of the tank. These coils may be mounted in any desired manner and may constitute a substitute for the cooling effect of the water in which the barges have been heretofore described as immersed, or as a supplement there" to. bviously, if such a tank is mounted upon supports out of the water, other cooling means could be employed.

Cooling fluid circulating and pressure release mechanism It will be evident that when the volatile liquid storage compartment i6 is completely filled with liquid in accordance with conventional practice during the transportation or storage of liquids in tanks such as those with which the present invention is concerned, that when the temperature to which the confined liquid is subjected is increased, there is a corresponding pressure increase upon the confined liquid, since there is no space for expansion within the storage compartment l6, and since the metallic walls of the same are of negligible expansive qualities. Obviously, if some means were not provided for decreasing the presssures thermodynamically generated within the confined liquid, dangerous pressures would soon be reached which would threaten the rupture of the tank which would be attended by various hazards. In accordance with the basic concept of this invention, means are provided for first, withdrawing some of the contents of the storage compartment It for directly lowering the pressure thereof, second, utilizing the pressure drop of the withdrawn portion of the contents to produce a refrigerating effect which will tend to further lower the temperature and thus further reduce the pressure of the confined liquid within the compartment It, .and third, when the contents of the storage compartment 16 have relatively cooled so that the remaining liquid therein would be subjected to a sub-atmospheric pressure or a relatively re duced pressure below normal upon cooling of the tank, to re-introduce the withdrawn portion of the liquid to restore or equalize the pressure within the compartment Hi to its original value.

Attention is now directed to the embodiment of Figures 1, 4, wherein a simplified embodiment of the principles of the invention has been illustrated. One or more outlet conduits 14 extend through the partition Hi, the lower ends of these conduits communicating with the interior of the storage compartment I6, and the outlet conduits 14 are preferably disposed along the longitudinal center line of the partition I l, at one or more points along the length thereof as found to be expedient. As will be best seen by reference to Figure 1, each of these conduits Ed is provided with oppositely extending pipes 16 to which are secured parallel, longitudinally extending headers or manifold pipes "l8, each of which is provided with a plurality of couplings or fittings having spray nozzles 82 secured thereto, provided with deflector or baffle plates B l on the ends thereof as shown in Figure 24. Obviously, the necessary piping'or conduit system may be arranged in various ways, in order to obtain any satisfactory number of spray nozzles, positioned to direct their spray over any desired area or portion of the partition l4. Preferably, the piping system is disposed in either direct contact with or in any event in intimate heat exchange relation with the upper surface of the partition l4, and the spray nozzles and deflectors are positioned to direct the spray to cover any desired portion of the partition but preferably to direct the spray toward the collection troughs or channels having the sumps 2B. In the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 4, it is understood that the conduits l5 and T8 are in direct contact with the upper surface of the partition Us, in such manner that the transverse pipes it extend substantially across the partition It, with the longitudinally extending manifolds or headers it disposed parallel to and adjacent the collection troughs formed by the above mentioned junction of the tank Iii with the edges of the partition It. A pressure reduction valve 3c is associatedwith each of the outlet conduits id and may be conveniently located at the junction of the same with the transverse pipes it. These pressure release valves may conveniently be disposed adjacent the tower 35, whereby control wheels 88 may be positioned within the tower 34 for convenient manipulation of all of the valves 36 for manually opening the same as desired. In this connection it is observed that it is contemplated in this invention to open the valves 86 in order to vent the interior of the storage compartment IE to the vapor chamber I8 through the above mentioned conduit system, in order to reduce the pressure of any trapped vapor in the storage compartment I6 when the latter is being filled with fluids.

Preferably, the pressure release valves 86 are spring loaded to maintain a desired pressure "13 within the storage compartment l 6, so that when this pressure is exceeded by the above-mentioned thermo-dynamic action of temperature upon the volatile liquids within the Storage compartment, the rising pressure will force a portion of the liquids through the outlet conduit system, through the spray nozzles and discharge the same into the vapor compartment [8.

It is very important to here observe that, as this flow of a portion of the volatile liquid is effected from the storage compartment [6 under the infiuence of the rising pressures therein which exceed the pressure for which the release valves 86 have been set, the discharging liquidin passing the spring-loaded pressure relief valves will be subjected to a pressure drop or will be expanded in its travel through the following conduit system. As is well known, fluids when subjected to a diminution of pressure and expanded are refrigerated or chilled thereby, and the present invention makes use of this pressure drop of the discharge or withdrawn fluids to effect a refrigerating or cooling action upon the tank.

In the arrangement shown in Figure '1, it will be observed that the piping and spray system is such as to cover substantially the entire area of the partition I4 with the discharged or withdrawn portion of the volatile liquid passed through the spray nozzles. Of course, various arrangements of conduits and spray nozzles could be employed to confine the spraying and cooling action to any desired portions of the partition I 4. It should be here noted that the discharging portion of the volatile liquid passing through the conduit system will be at least partially vaporized by the release in pressure, so that in practice vapor and/or liquid under reduced pressure will be discharged into the vapor chamber l8 and since the latter is sealed, will thereby produce a pressure therein which, however, will be less than the pressure then prevailing in the storage chamber I6 when the contents of the latter are at an elevated temperature, but will vary with respect thereto as occasioned by the action of the pressure release valve 8-6, and as set forth hereinafter in the operation of the circulating refrigerating system. As will be further understood, the magnitude of the cooling action can be somewhatproportioned or regulated by properly adjusting the differences in pressure maintained in the storage compartment 16 by the loadingof the pressure release valve 86 and the pressure maintained as a maximum in the vapor compartment l8 by means of the safety release valve62.

After the liquid has been expelled from the storage compartment [6 by the above mentioned rise in pressure therein caused by the inflow of heat into the storage compartment from an external source of heat, such as the suns rays or the like, the vapor and liquid expelled into the vapor compartment after effecting the above mentioned cooling action as a result of their reduction in pressure, are condensed and collected upon the partition l4, and flow by gravity toward the troughs or collection gutters and channels defined between the partition l4 and the tank l0, eventually collecting in the sumps 20. The condensateand liquid so collected, it will now be noted, are stored below the water line 22 and below the shielding protection ofthe upper end of the blister 24 as above mentioned. Thus, the condensate and liquid are accumulated in a zone which is additionally cooled by its location, as well as by the protection of the upper portion of the blister 24.

As will be evident, the ejection of a portion of the contents of the tank IE will thus serve to reduce the pressure rises created in the storage compartment as the liquid contents thereof are expanded by heat, and the pressure rise therein is further alleviated by the refrigerating or cooling action which converts the pressure drop of the expelled liquids in the vapor chamber into a heat absorbing medium for thereby cooling the partition is and hence the upper portion of the contents of the storage tank l6 which immediately underlies the partition. As will be seen, it is the upper portion of the tank which is subjected to the greatest effects of the temperature rise of the confined liquids, and hence the refrigerating action is thereby most efliciently applied.

However, after the reduction of pressure in the storage compartment I6 by the above mentioned means, and after the temperature of the storage compartment is lowered, there is also a contraction of the liquid confined therein, whereby the pressure of the remaining portion of the confined volatile liquid drops below the original pressure and that of the vapor compartment l8. At this time, the pressure within the compartment I6 is definitely below the pressure existing in the vapor chamber [8 into which a portion of the contents of the tank I6 were expelled at the peak pressure of said storage tank. In order to relieve the reversal of stresses which would occur in the wall construction of the tank 10 and its compartments, a liquid return flow conduit is provided for automatically returning the condensate and liquid collected in the sumps 20 into the interior of the compartment it. This return conduit system includes valved inlet memhere 90 disposed in the sumps 2B, and which are connected by return conduits 92 which return conduits 92 are connected to a fitting 94 as shown in Figure 6 and from thence by means of a return conduit or pipe 96 extending through the partition l4 into the storage compartment at theupper portion thereof and into the area or region which is most subjected to the external heating source. Thus, the cooled liquids, refrigerated both by the reduction of pressure thereon as well as by their collection and storage in the cooled sumps or zones beneath the overlying blister construction, are returned to the hottest portion of the contents of the storage compartment for effecting a lowering of the temperature and hence of the pressures therein.

As shown in. the enlarged detail view of Figure 14, the inlet means 9d preferably consists of a housing or casing which may be generally pearshaped, and is provided with apertures 98 therein, being covered as by a screen I00, this casing being disposed near the bottom of the pockets or sumps 2t. Ihis casing is threaded upon one end of a nipple Hi2 whose upper end is secured to a valve casing m, which, in turn, depends from the screw-threaded end of the return pipe 92. The valve casing is preferably provided with a suitable check valve I05, which is illustrated as being of the well known ball construction and closed by means of a spring I08 against a seat formed in the lower end of the casing I 04, to thereby permit flow into the pipe 92 from the casing 99, but to prevent return flow. As will be readily understood, various forms of check valves may be employed for this purpose, such as flap valves, or the like. Moreover, the influence of gravity may be relied upon to close the valve, but it is preferred to substitute or assist in this closing action by means of a spring such as that shown.

The valve casing Iil i may be provided with a removable plug. 8 it to obtain access to the same for inspecting, repairing or servicing the check valve as necessity requires.

Attention is next directed to'Figure 24 wherein there is disclosed a suitable embodiment of defiector or baiiie 34 which may be employed upon the spray nozzles 82 for effectively directing the spray or liquid discharged therefrom to the desired area. As will be seen, the tube or pipe constituting the nozzfie 82 has secured at the outlet end thereof a plate or dish I !2, provided with a tapering orifice H4 aligned with the passage in the pipe 82, the direction of the orifice ii i being such as to direct the emerging vapor or liquid at an angle with respect to the axis of the nozzle 82, to thereby cause the same to impinge upon the reflecting or bairling surface of the baiile 8d. The latter as shown constitutes a curving shield or baffle which is open at its lower edge to deflect the emerging liquid or spray vapor as indicated by the direction lines in Figure 24. By this means, the emerging fluid is diffused and spread over a predetermined area for distributing the cooling effects thereof.

Obviously the cooling effects and the advantages obtained thereby may be realized by providing the discharge conduit pipe system, whether consisting of lateral pipes with longitudinally extending headers, or a complete networir of courses or convolutions of pipe, may be disposed within the storage compartment IE in intimate or in direct heat exchange relation with the undersurface of the partition IQ, instead of in the vapor compartment I8 as above mentioned. This latter arrangement is indicated in Figure 8. In this arrangement, the same identical fluid return conduit system previously described may be employed, such system including the inlet strainer members es, disposed in the sumps 2d, and having the valve casings $24 and return conduits 92 together with their return conduits or pipes 96 communicating with the interior of the compartment Iii immediately be low the highest point of the partition i i.

The return conduit system is somewhat similar to that of Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6 in that the same construction of perforated inlet casing es, check valve its and conduit s2 are provided in conjunction with the sumps 29. However, in this embodiment, a combined discharge and return pipe Bit extends through the uppermost point of the partition is into free communication with the interior of the storage chamber iii, and this conduit are is connected to the two return lines 92 as by T-couplings IIS and nipples I20. A further T- coupling i22 is provided to connect the two nipples i with the inlet and outlet conduit H6. From the T-couplings IIB extend connecting pipes or nipples I24, which are provided with check valve casings I26, each of which is connected to one end of a discharge conduit I which may conveniently comprise a plurality of parallel return pipes forming a net-work of pipes secured in any desired manner to the under surface of the partition I4 and in intimate or in direct heat conducting relation thereto, the. ends of these conduits I28 extending through the partition 54 as at E in a position closely adjacent the marginal trough or channel defined by the adjoining surfaces of the partition I4 and the casing I0.

The operation of this construction is as follows. Upon expansion or increase in pressure of the fluid in the storage compartment IS, a portion of the fluid is forced upwardly through the pipe H6, through the T-coupling I22, into the nipples I20, and from there into both the nipples I24 and the fluid return line 92. That portion entering the fluid return line 92, is prevented however from escaping by means of the check valve constructions in the valve casings I04, while the fluid from the nipples I24 is discharged through the expansion, non-return valves I26 into the expansion and refrigerating coil I28, to eventually emerge from the ends I30 thereof upon the upper surface of the partition I4 in the vapor compartment I8.

As will be readily understood, the discharge nozzles I36 may be provided with bafiies or defiectors in order to control the direction of the discharged liquid or vapor and spray the same in directions as desired, or if preferred the emerging fluid may be permitted to flow over the top of the partition I4 to collect in the above-mentioned condensate and liquid collecting channels and thence find its way to the sumps 20 for return through the return line as above mentioned.

When now after discharge of a portion of the volatile liquid within the storage chamber I6, the pressure within said chamber drops below the differential pressure maintained by the pressure reduction valves I26, the relative difference of pressure in the vapor and storage chambers results in a relatively reduced pressure in the conduit system I I6, I20, 92, from the pressure existing in the vapor chamber I8, whereby the liquid accumulations in the sumps'20 are forced past the check valve assemblies I04 and by means of the return conduits 92, T-couplings H8, nipples 52s, and T-coupllng I22, are drawn back into the storage chamber I6. During this return flow, the reduced pressure existing in the nipples I24 maintains the pressure reduction valves I26 in their closed positions, to thereby prevent the drawing in of vapor directly from the chamber I8 through the ends I30 of the refrigerating coils I28.

It will thus be seen that in this particular embodiment, a single inlet and outlet conduit is provided for the flow of fluid into and from the storage chamber IE and the vapor compartment 58, and by the two sets of valves I26 and I04, the direction of this flow is controlled in response to the pressure differences.

Referring now to Figure 11 which shows a further modified application of the principles of the invention, it will be seen that the partition I l dividing the container or tank it into the storage chamber I6 and the vapor chamber I3, is provided at its junction with the tank H! with deepened troughs or channels as shown at I32, to provide enlarged and accentuated condensate and liquid collection gutters or troughs in the vapor chamber I8, from which may extend the customary above referred to sumps 20. As shown in this embodiment, it may be preferred to form the fluid outlet conduit for the fluid circulatingand refrigerating system with a depending or extended pipe I34 which extends down into the chamber I6 adjacent the bottom thereof or at least definitely into the cooler portions of the liquid contained therein, whereby the liquid forced out of the storage chamber I6 by means of the differential pressure existing between the two chambers, will be withdrawn from the cooler portions of this storage chamber. Obviously, in a construction of this type the cooler portions are found nearer the bottom of the tank, since the upper portions are more directly exposed to the rays of the sun or other external source of heat,

while the lower portions are sheltered by the upper structure of the tank, and liquid therein,

as well as being cooled by its complete immersion in the water.

This discharge conduit I34 extending through the partition I4 is provided with the customary above mentioned pressure reduction valve assembly 06, from whence the discharge fluid passes through the circulatingconduit or coil system indicated by the numeral I38, and which is disposed in intimate heat exchange relation with the upper surface of the partition I4 over predetermined areas thereof, and which may be provided with the spray nozzles and deflectors such as those'mentioned in connection with Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6. The return of the fluid or condensate collecting in the troughs I32 and sumps 20 may be returned by the conduits 92 of the same construction as those described in connection with the embodiment of Figures 1, 2, 4 and 6, or if preferred by the conduit piping and arrangement :of Figure 8 previously described.

It is to be clearly understood that the termination of the discharge conduit of any of the embodiments of this invention may be extended into the cooler portions of the compartment I8, in

18 chamber I6, such as the regions bounded by the arcuate walls of the partition I4 and the I0. The return conduits I46 are provided non-return check valves assemblies I50 which may be of any suitable type such, for example, as that indicated in the valve casing I04 of Figure 14, to readily the manner indicated in Figure 11, if desired.

Further, a single return discharge conduit may be provided or if desired a plurality of discharge conduits connected to separate circulating and refrigerating piping systems may be provided as preferred.

Although in the preceding embodiments of ,the inventive concept I have disclosed an upwardly curving or dished partition I4, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may likewise include downwardly dished or extending partitions asshown in Figure 10. Here, the partition I4 is suitably secured to the walls of the tank I0, and is dished downwardly along its longitudinal medial axis, wherein the storage chamber I6 is crescent-shape, while the vapor chamber I8 is bounded by concave walls. Obviously, in this construction, the lowermost point will be the longitudinal center line of the partition I4, and consequently the condensate and liquid accumulating in the vapor chamber will collect along the longitudinal center thereof. At one or more points along its length, as desired, downwardly extending conduits M5 are terminally connected to. freely communicate with the vapor chamber I0 at its lowermost portion, and with a sump or sumps I42 which are preferably positioned within the tank I0 and at the lowermost portion thereof.

This sump compartment or compartments may be defined by longitudinally extending arcuate housings I44, which may be welded or otherwise secured to the bottom inner wall of the tank It and to the outer circumference of the conduits vided extending throughout all or any desired portion of the length of the tank ID, or if desired Ia plurality of such sumps or compartments may tioned at the coolest region of the tank. From the sump I42, extend a plurality of return conduits I46, the upper ends of these conduits being suitably braced or attached as at I48 to the under surface of the partition I4, in a position to discharge into the hottest zones of the storage 'duction valve assemblies permit flow of fluid upwardly from the sump I42 .into the storage compartment I6 but to prevent return flow. Spray nozzle assemblies I52, provided with deflectors I54 and with pressure re- I56, establish communication with vapor chamber I8 and the storage chamber I6 at the highest point of the latter. Obviously, the spray nozzles, pressure reduction valves and necessary conduits may be of any of the hereinbefore described constructions, and these discharge conduit systems may communicate with the uppermost portion of the storage chamber IE or if desired may have their inlet ends extending down into the liquid adjacent the lower portion of the storage chamber. Obviously, the principles of this embodiment may be incorporated in any of the previously described r constructions and arrangements.

The operation of this form of the invention as follows. Upon an increase in temperature and hence of pressure of the fluid within the storage chamber I6, which as in all the embodiments of the invention is to be understood as being at all times completely filled with the volatile liquid, the fluid therein expands and is discharged to the pressure reduction valve I56 and 1 spray nozzles I54 into the interior of the vapor I40. Obviously, a single such sump may be pro- I chamber I8, the pressure reduction of the discharging fluid serving to chill or refrigerate the partition I4 and hence of the volatile liquid in the chamber I0 therebeneath. This chilling or refrigerating action as well as the withdrawal of a portion of the liquid contents of the chamber IE, serves to lower the pressure thereof and as a concomitant thereof to lower the temperatureto which the fluid therein is subjected. The liquid or vapor sprayed into the vapor chamber I8 is collected and returned by the conduits I40 to the sump I42, where the same is further cooled by its position in the coolest region of the tank. When the pressure has dropped sufficiently in the storage chamber I6, this relative reduction of pressure compared to the increased pressure existing in the vapor chamber I0 and the sump I42 which is in free pressure communication therewith, serves to force the cooled fluid by means of return conduits I46 into the hottest portions of the storage chamber It, thereby to further cool the same.

Thus, as in the other embodiments, this arrangement serves to produce an intermittent cir culation of the fluid received in the tank It from its coolest to its hottest portions in order to alleviate the rising temperatures to which the upper portions of the tank are subjected, and to thereby lower the peak temperature and pressures to which the storage and transportation tank I0 is subjected.

As will be clearly apparent by reference to Figures 7 and 10, the conduit I40, if but one such conduit is provided, will be preferably located at about the center of the tank I0, and will be provided with branch conduits I53 which communicate with the central, longitudinally extendserving ing trough upon the upper surface of the partition I4 adjacent the ends thereof and drain liquid accumulating therein by means of orifices I55 in the lower ends of the conduit I40, so that any liquid accumulating in the vapor chamber I8 may be constantly returned to the sump I42.

As shown in the detail view of Figure 12, the discharge conduit spray system of Figure may conveniently include longitudinally extending headers I51 along which are connected the abovementioned reduction valves I56 with spray nozzles and spray bafiies I54, the headers I5'I being preferably located parallel to and closely adjacent the junction of the partition I4 with the tank I6.

As hereinbefore set forth, the various fluid discharge and return systems are operable automatically by and in response to pressure changes in the pressure differential between the storage chamber I6 and the vapor chamber It, and hence, in view of the relatively large quantities of liquid involved operate at relatively long intervals. For example, the previously described systems in a tank of about 90 feet in length and about 9 feet in diameter will when operated in hot water and exposed at the direct rays of the sun, have an automatic actuation of six to twelve times during the day. Clearly with such an arrangement, the extent of the commingling of the refrigerated or cooled portions of the liquid with the rest of the liquid in the tank occurs at relatively long intervals and is not relatively thorough.

Where a system which is more sensitive to temperature and pressure variations is desired, what may be termed a secondary or booster system is incorporated, as set forth in Figures 13, 15, 16, 17 and 9. In this arrangement, the tank I0, divided by the partition I4 into the volatile liquid storage chamber I6 and the vapor chamber I6, is provided with concentric fluid discharge and return conduits. In the embodiment chosen to illustrate the principles of this type of construction, the discharge or refrigerating conduit system has been shown as the exterior conduit, while the return conduit system has been shown as the interior conduit of the concentric arrangement. However, it will be understood that the principles permit of the reversing of this arrangement, wherever the same is found to be expedient or preferable. As will be seen by reference to Figures 9 and 13, the central top portion of the upwardly curving partition I4 is provided at its highest location with one or more pipes I6I freely communicating with the interior desired into close juxtaposition to the bottom wall thereof as shown in Figure 13. At this upper end, the discharge conduit I63 communicates with a fitting I62 from which extend nipples I64 forming part of a piping connection with expansion valve assemblies I66 which, in turn, are connected with the upwardly extending terminal portions of the refrigerating coils I68 which extend through the partition I4 into the tower 34 where the above-mentioned pressure reduction valves and fittings are located. This refrigerating and expansion coil IE8 is then disposed with return bends upon the under surface of the partition I4 in intimate heat exchange relation therewith as will be clearly apparent from Figures 9, 13 and 15.

As shown best in Figure 9 the outermost and return conduit I6I has lateral extensions I70 to which are connected the terminals of the return conduits I12, the conduits I12 being received within the discharge refrigerating conduits I68. Suitable non-return spring closed check valves are provided in couplings or casings I'M, at any desired type of pressure operated non-return valve may be employed therein, such for example as the ball valve Ila which is urged to its seat as by a spring I13. The other end of the -refrigerating conduit I58 extends through the partition is as shown in Figure 13, and discharges to the outer surface thereof into the vapor compartment I8, while the corresponding end of the inner conduit I12 constituting a return conduit, is connected as shown in Figure 13 with the check valve housings Iil and liquid inlet members 96 disposed in the sumps 211, which construction may be substantially identical with that previously described with regard to these elements. It should thus be particularly noted that there are two check valves, the assembly I04 and the assembly il for the two terminals of the return lines, for a purpose to be later set forth. The discharge and expansion conduit system I63 may be provided with suitable spray nozzles or the like for diffusing the fluid emitted thereby into various portions of the vapor chamber I6 in accordance with the previous manners set forth hereinbefore.

As shown more clearly in Figure 15, the upper end of the return conduit "ii is provided with a head or housing portion I86 having the above mentioned lateral extensions I'Id, this portion I being provided with a manually operable pressure release or venting valve, indicated generally by the numeral I82, which is operable to vent the interior of the storage compartment I6 to the vapor chamber it when it is desired to fill lower end communicating with the interior of the head portion I80, and having a discharge opening I86 which is in communication with the interior of the vapor compartment I8. The inlet end of the conduit I84 is controlled by a downwardly opening valve I88 which may be of the poppet type if desired, and which is provided with a valve control stern I92 rigidly attached thereto, said stem having a plunger I94 guidingly and slidingly received in the tubular conduit I84, a valve closing spring I95 being engaged between the lower end of the plunger I94 and a suitable spring seat whereby the valve is urged by the spring to its closed position.

The upper end of the valve stem I92 is pivotally connected as at I38, to an operating lever 200, suitably journaledupon a support, the outer end of this operating lever being pivoted as at 202110 the end of an operating handle or lever 204.

The arrangement is such that when the lever 26d is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 9, the lever 260 is oscillated in a clockwise'direction to thereby force the valve I88 from its seat and thereby vent the interior of the compartment IE to the interior of the vapor compartment It. It will be noted that the extremity of the lever 264 is provided with a cam or eccentric member 206 which is adapted to abut against a surface carried by a bracket 268, whereby the valve may be locked in its open position by throwing the lever 264 in a counter-clockwise direction.

Referring again to Figure 15 particularly, it will be seen that the upper end of the discharge conduit I63 is connected as by a laterally extend- 

